Zaki's Story - Jack Policy Piper among Jackinaspin
Zaki has been a very different puppy to Lily. He is much more laid back and relaxed. He loves food and began some basic training before he was nine weeks. He would sit and give his paw, mainly because he knew he would get a small (healthy) treat. He became toilet trained mostly 'good' within a couple of weeks just only having the odd accident. He started going out in the garden from the first day we brought him home. He looks very different too having huge ears, big feet, a massive tongue (which seems to be his trade mark, we call him the 'Licky Dog') and a longer tail. Lily is a very tiny Westie, everything is small and dainty. Zak is almost as big as Lily at only 15 weeks.
Zak is very cuddly and huggable, he loves people but is not excitable like Lily. He tends to just generally be more laid back. At 15 weeks he can be trusted off his lead in a large open space and will come and sit when called even when there are distractions close by, again for a small treat reward.
I have found some great natural puppy probiotic treats which he loves. I am now in the process of trying him with clicker training as he responds so well. He is always eager to please. This is going well so far.
Both my dogs have always been fed on a completely natural diet of chicken or beef mince with rice, pasta and vegetables. Along with puppy mixer biscuit. They are both thriving, healthy with lovely coats and neither have any skin problems or allergies.
Above picture Zaki as a puppy thinks he's on the TV ads
Zaki took a liking to the toilet roll in our downstairs loo and trailed it all round the house. Neither Zak nor Lily have 'yet chewed or destroyed anything indoors that hasn't been theirs and I think this has been down to providing them both with a good selection of puppy toys, natural chews and suitable large bones. These are swapped over periodically to stop boredom.
Zak has his bed in a large crate which he sleeps in at night and when I happen not to be at home. The door is off at all other times and he can come and go in and out as he pleases. This is his space and where he can feel safe and secure and we respect this. If he does become frightened by a noise he is unsure of he always goes straight into his crate and gets into his bed. He has a selection of toys inside and his water bowl. At the moment I also feed him in there as otherwise he would eat Lily and Abbie's food too. Once he learns that not all food bowls are his he can be fed with the others.
I am hoping that he will not need his crate once he gets to about six months which is when Lily no longer needed hers.
Above picture Zaki at nine weeks
Zak loves playing with Lily, they roll around together as she is still quite young there is lots of puppy play and chasing games. He always wants a toy or chew that she has and visa versa . When we get them anything new it always has to be in twos and we let them choose which one they want. Once the toy is established they just play with either.
Update - Zaki is now 9 months
Zak is now 9 months and a right little character as you can see. He still has his puppy traits but is very sensible as he seems to follow Lily's example. He went through his terrible teens at about six months and is now coming out the other side. He became a bit naughty off the lead just like Lily had been and after such a good start this was a bit disappointing but overall he is a lovely little dog.
Update 2009 - Zaki aged two years
Enjoying his motor caravan holiday in Cornwall
Above - Zak enjoying a quiet moment with Charlotte in the motorhome during a break in Corwall
Above - Zak, with the girls sitting behind him
Below - Zak in the middle with Belle to the left and Lily to the right
